Registration fills for Camel’s Hump Challenge Alzheimer’s Association 2024 fundraiser
December 8, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Nordic skiers on the Camel's Hump Challenge in 2023. Courtesy photo
The Camel’s Hump Challenge planning committee, in conjunction with the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, announced that it recently opened and filled the registration for the February event within a matter of hours.
The 37th annual Camel's Hump Challenge will be held Saturday, Feb. 3. The event is a wilderness cross-country ski tour around the perimeter of Vermont’s third-highest mountain. Teams fundraise ahead of time to support the Alzheimer's Association.
Originally founded by the late Dr. Warren Beeken, the Challenge supports education programs and support groups for Vermonters impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Registration opened and closed on Friday, Dec. 1.
The event has grown to now host 90 skiers.
“Registration filled in record time this year, taking less than five hours to sell out. We’re grateful for the continuous support of our community through this special event that embodies the spirit of winter in Vermont”, says Jenna Johnson, development manager and staff partner from the Alzheimer’s Association.
The 2023 event raised $106,000, with the same goal in mind for February 2024.
There is a waiting list should anyone registered change their plans. To find out more and get on the list, visit the event website here.
Both skier and volunteer, Catherine McIntyre was selected to be the Camel's Hump Challenge Champion for 2024. Courtesy photo
The Challenge during the pandemic also created a virtual option for people to devise their own challenge to complete along with fundraising to support the cause. They will continue it this year. Learn more about how to do the virtual challenge on the event website as well.
Each year, the Champion Award is presented to an individual, team, or group that has provided major contributions to the Challenge over the event’s history. The Camel’s Hump Challenge planning committee announced that Catherine McIntyre, of Richmond, will be the recipient of the 2024 Champion Award. McIntyre has participated in the Camel's Hump Challenge since 2018 and has fundraised over $11,000 throughout that time. McIntyre is both an active participant in the Challenge and a volunteer for the past six years.
“The Challenge is one of those very special days that makes you appreciate all the good things in life,” she said.
Like many participants of the Camel’s Hump Challenge, McIntyer said Alzheimer's has had a significant impact on her family. She has assembled a team of women, Team Hatchet, each year to complete the Challenge together.
“I feel grateful to live in Vermont, to have access to the Camel’s Hump backcountry area, for my involvement with the event's planning committee, for my own health, and for the friendship and support of the people I ski with that day,” she reflected.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide nonprofit health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. More online at alz.org or call 800-272-3900.
Camel's Hump at 4,083 feet is Vermont's third-tallest peak. Courtesy photo